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Saturday, 31 of July of 2010

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How to Lead an Edification Group


  1. Prepare yourself: “But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)

    1. Stop preparing cell details at least one-half hour before the meeting starts in order to spend time with God.

      1. Stop Preparing for the cell – Do yourself and your group a favor. Cease all cell preparation at least one-half hour before the cell begins (e.g. lesson, refreshments, preparation, etc.) Take that time to prepare your heart before God, asking Him to fill you with the Spirit.



    2. Prioritize your daily devotional life in order to hear from God. You’ll need the Spirit’s wisdom.

      1. Ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit. “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13).

      2. Confess all known sin. David says, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18)

      3. Be filled with the Spirit on a daily basis. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul says, “…be filled with the Spirit.” The phrase “be filled” in the Greek points to a continual, constant filling.

      4. The Key to Success: Joel Comiskey’s survey of 700 cell group leaders revealed that the leader’s success depended upon how much time he or she spent in daily devotions.



    3. Depend on God more than techniques

      1. Sensitivity to the Spirit: What’s the best way to minister to the hurting in times of grief? There’s no right way. You just do your best to empathize with the hurts and weakness of others. You must trust the Holy Spirit.

      2. Anointing of the Holy Spirit: The best advice is from John the Apostle: “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him” (1 John 2:27)



    4. The Greatest Requirement is Love (I Corinthians. 13:1)

      1. The best cell servants are very loving and this breeds strong loyalty among their followers. As the Bible says in I Corinthians 13:1, any facilitator who lacks love is a clanging gong or tinkling cymbal, and they’ll soon lose their followers.





  2. How to Structure a Meeting – “90 percent of the time I’ll follow the plan… Great small group meetings begin well and end well.” Great cell meetings follow a predictable – but not legalistic – pattern…

    1. Welcome – To build relationships with each other. The welcome time enhances the open sharing of our personal lives.

      1. The “Before Meeting” Snack Time (~ 15-20 minutes.)

        1. Never underestimate the importance of greetings, touches, smiles, handshakes, etc. that take place during this time.

        2. These brief encounters can set the tone for the entire meeting. In fact, this may be one of the most rewarding parts of the meeting, especially for visitors.



      2. Opening Prayer

        1. Since we are trying to get everyone involved, it is a good idea to ask a member of the cell to pray. However, avoid asking a visitor to pray unless they volunteer.



      3. Goals and Guidelines

        1. In your first “Vision” times review the Goals and Guidelines and revise as needed.

        2. In the next few meetings, have someone read the Goals and Guidelines.

        3. After several meetings, it may be sufficient to only review highlights periodically as needed.

        4. Read the Goals and Guidelines when first-time visitors attend.



      4. Ice Breaker

        1. If the members of your cell are well acquainted, it’s good to keep the Icebreaker answers short so more time can be spent on the Edification and Vision. Of course, if a cell has a visitor, it is a good idea to spend a little extra time on the Icebreaker.

        2. After the first few meetings, begin to involve others in various parts of the meeting (i.e., ask the intern or other member to facilitate the “Ice Breaker”)

        3. Ice Breaker examples:

          • Who was your favorite grade school teacher and why?

          • When you are stressed or frustrated about something, what do you do?

          • What’s the best thing that happened in your life last year?

          • What is your hobby and why do you like it?

          • Who was most influential in your own decision to follow Christ?

          • What was that person’s relationship to you (friend, parent, teacher, etc.)?

          • Ask each person to complete the sentence: “One word to describe me is…”

          • What is one of the most important pieces of advice someone has given you?

          • Describe your week in colors.

          • What animal best describes your mood right now?

          • How forgiving are you when a friend lets you down?



        4. Pointer on how to start an Ice Breaker… Don’t start the meeting by saying “The ice breaker for tonight is…” Rather; you could start by saying, “Think of a time…”





    2. Worship – To enter into the presence of God. We approach God through the Worship time and receive his fullness.

      1. Singing

        1. If you have someone in your group gifted in leading worship, ask them to lead this portion of the meeting.

        2. The tapes and accompanying song sheets work well, even for those with little or no experience leading worship.

        3. Singing songs can be interspersed with testimonies and scripture sharing… experiment to find out what works best.

        4. Make sure everyone has a song sheet. Why?

        5. First time visitors will feel uncomfortable without seeing the words.

        6. Some new Christians or church members don’t know the worship choruses of your church.

        7. You’ll have more liberty to sing new songs.



      2. Testimony and Scripture Sharing Time

        1. Keep this portion of the meeting edifying.

        2. The leader can set the tone for this portion of the meeting and should apply facilitation techniques where appropriate, especially if testimonies are included (e.g., start with a 30 second testimony of your own).

        3. Ask a member before the meeting to share their favorite scripture, or share one of your own.

        4. Allow children to stay in the adult cell for the icebreaker and worship time.




    3. Word – Applying God’s Word to our lives – “Edification” To interact with God’s Word; God speaks to us through the Word.

      1. Edification and Scripture

        1. Allow approximately 30-40 minutes for the Edification portion of the meeting (including scriptures and discussion).

        2. Ask individuals in the group to read each scripture reference aloud.

        3. It is suggested that you read the Edification to the group, at least for the first few meetings. It may also be effective to present it in a conversational manner, although this may take some experience and practice. Since the Questions and subsequent discussion should really be the focus of this portion of the meeting, it is likely best just to read the edification.



      2. Questions and Discussion

        1. Allow approximately 20-30 mins.

        2. The Questions we are currently using include prompts to help the facilitator guide the discussion. Prompts can be useful tools because they are correct answers. The best way to use them is to let the group answer the questions on their own and see if they include the answer given in the prompt. If not, you can simply state the prompt as an answer to the question.

        3. Facilitate, facilitate, facilitate




    4. Works (reaching out to others) – To reach non-Christians; The Works time helps the group focus on outsiders.

      1. Vision

        1. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes

        2. This is the time to strategize and plan for growth and multiplication… OUTREACH!

        3. Praying for non-Christians to invite

        4. Preparing a social project

        5. Planning for future multiplication

        6. Deciding on the next outreach event for the cell (e.g., dinner, video, picnic, etc.)

        7. Praying for non-Christian families

        8. Vision time can also be used to focus on:

        9. Discussing and planning upcoming meetings and responsibilities

        10. Discussing and planning child care, worship or other crucial issues to ensure growth and success

        11. Your first Vision time can be focused on the Goals and Guidelines. It is important that your group accepts and supports them, so discuss them and revise them as needed.

        12. Facilitate, facilitate, facilitate



      2. Petition

        1. The weekly outlines we are currently using do not reference “petition” time. You can write it in or mentally add it to the closing portion of the meeting.

        2. Use this time to pray for specific needs of group members, although prayer for special needs can happen any time during the meeting.

        3. Focus on individuals the group is trying to reach (if you have not already prayed for them during the Vision).



      3. Closing Prayer

        1. It is sometimes acceptable to delegate the closing prayer, but be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit.

        2. This time may be a great opportunity for you to lead someone in prayer to make a first-time or deeper commitment to Jesus.

        3. You can reinforce the topic or theme of the meeting and emphasize personal application.


      4. After Meeting Time

        1. It is vitally important that visitors and newer members become the focus. While this is a great time of fellowship with our closest friends, it is most important to spend time with visitors and other group members. Remember that if we love our visitors enough, they will want to come back!

        2. As the person in charge of the group, a cell servant should make sure that the visitors never stand around with no one talking to them. It is also vital that you impart that same vision to your members.







  3. Facilitating Others

    1. What Does it Mean to “Facilitate?”

      1. 70-30 Principle:

        1. The group leader talks only 30 percent, while the group members share 70 percent of the time. This should be the goal of every group leader.



      2. Synonyms for Facilitate:

        1. Help, Aid, Assist, Ease, Make Easy, Empower, Lubricate, Smooth, Make Possible.

        2. The facilitator is not stiff and passive – only listening and not sharing. A facilitator interacts just like other group members, sharing personal reflections, experiences, and modeling transparency.





    2. Two Essential Qualities of Facilitators:

      1. Sincere Love for God:

        1. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)



      2. Sincere Love for Others

        1. “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)

        2. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.





    3. Listening Ears – He who answers before listening–that is his folly and his shame. (Proverbs 18:13 NIV)

      1. Listen Actively:

        1. Active listening is vigorous, energetic, and diligent



      2. Non-verbal Listening:

        1. Tip one – Be transparent. let your group know when you are tired, etc.

        2. Tip two – Be filled with the Spirit. Jesus provides the missing link



      3. To stimulate conversation from participants:

        1. Keep an open body position

        2. Lean forward to show interest

        3. Nod and smile to show agreement

        4. Make brief eye contact to encourage conversation from a quiet person



      4. Don’t be afraid of silence:

        1. Learn to expect lulls in the cell meeting. Frequently, when it seems like nothing is happening, God is working in a powerful way.



      5. Listening and Giving Advice:

        1. When a group member begins to share burdens he or she often doesn’t want advice or counsel but an understanding ear. (James 1:19)



      6. Helpful listening responses:

        1. Paraphrasing

        2. Short affirmations to open the door for more



      7. Unhelpful listening responses:

        1. Reassuring them that they don’t have much of a problem (this implies that you disagree with their judgment that they have a problem, which makes them stop talking).

        2. Sending quick advice (we don’t know the situation).



      8. How to tell if others want your ear or your advice:

        1. Watch their body language when you send advice

        2. Keep your responses short, letting them choose what to talk about.


      9. The Essence of Listening: Others – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philemon 2:3-4)



    4. An Encouraging Tongue

      1. Never Totally Reject an Idea:

        1. Never totally reject any idea. Find a way to explore the good in the idea. Affirm the person who gave the idea, even though you’re not in full agreement with it.



      2. Three right ways to respond to a wrong answer:

        1. Take the blame for miscommunication; “I guess I didn’t state that question very clearly – what I’m really asking for is…

        2. Give an example: Here’s an illustration of what I mean…

        3. Allow others in the group to give the right answer: “Umm, What do the rest of you think?



      3. If the person gives a doctrinally incorrect answer:

        1. Even if an answer is not based on Scripture, thank the person… “I’m going to do more study on this topic…”



      4. Dealing with Excessive Talkers:

        1. Sit next to the talker in order to give them less eye contact.

        2. Call on other people to give their opinions.

        3. Redirect the conversation away from the talker, if he or she pauses.

        4. Talk directly with the person (before or after the meeting)

        5. Ask the person to help you make the meeting more participatory

        6. Clarify the rule that no one is allowed to speak a second time until everyone has a chance to speak for the first time.

        7. If the problem persists, talk to the person directly over you (zone leader).

        8. Give parameters regarding time, content, and scope (e.g., “Let’s go around the room and each give a half minute explanation of…”)


      5. Communication tips that Build Community: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

        1. Start showing that you care from the moment someone walks in the door. A smile or hug is the best.

        2. Respond enthusiastically to people throughout the meeting

        3. Pray for your cell members during the week, (if possible do it daily) and then tell them you’ve been praying for them.

        4. Ask questions about their personal lives. Normally the best time to do this is immediately before or after the meeting. Ask them about their family, work, dreams, and visions.

        5. Be aware of any physical needs and seek to meet them… financially

        6. Share part of your own life with them – sharing interests or hobbies

        7. Contact them outside of the cell group. – a phone call, a note of appreciation, a cup of coffee together, or a formal visit.



      6. Other Facilitation Techniques:

        1. It is OK to limit the next answer to those who haven’t answered yet

        2. Avoid tangents, hypothetical questions, or questions off the topic. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. (Proverbs 26:4 NIV)

        3. Offer to discuss the issues at another time.

        4. Offer the opportunity to “pass.”







  4. Preparing for the Meeting

    1. Prior to the Meetings

      1. Spend time in prayer.

        1. Ask the Lord to reveal if there is anything He wants you to discuss with the group at the next meeting.

        2. Pray for each member. Mentally review the group face by face, and name by name, and pray for their needs. Likewise, allow the Holy Spirit to alert you to other needs they may have.

        3. Keep a pencil and paper handy to jot down ideas as you pray



      2. Mentally plan out each portion of the meeting.

        1. Delegate responsibilities



      3. Read through the Edification scriptures.

      4. Review the Edification Topic.

        1. Jot down any probing questions

        2. Reword phrases if they can be stated in a better way for the individuals in your group.



      5. Review the Questions and Answers.

      6. Follow-up with every member (either in-person or by telephone),


        1. Provide a small token of appreciation to every first-time visitor (card, baked goods, etc.).

        2. Invite visitors over for dinner or out for lunch – make personal contact.



      7. Delegate responsibilities for the next meeting (i.e., Ice Breaker, Worship, Favorite Scripture)



    2. Pay Attention to the Meeting Details

      1. Seating Arrangement – Arrange the seating so each person can see every other person in the group. A circle is the best choice.

      2. Lighting should be bright enough for everyone to read but low enough to feel cozy

      3. Provide materials for everyone… even have extra Bible on hand

      4. Meals: Don’t allow refreshments to become a burden – or worse yet, a point of competition (Pastor Cho made a rule to only provide a simple, non-costly dessert. Eating normally lasts about 15 minutes… the leader sets the tone

      5. After the meeting – Sensitive cell leaders take advantage of this time to make personal contacts, greet visitors, and reconfirm previous decisions to get closer to Christ. Be proactive during this time. Don’t wait for people to come to you, go to them.



    3. Checklist to avoid distractions:

      • Is the Ringer off on the telephone?

      • Is the temperature approximately 67 degrees?

      • Are the seats arranged in a circle?

      • Are there enough seats?

      • Is there sufficient light in the room?

      • Are there enough song sheets? Bibles?

      • Are the refreshments ready?



    4. Begin on time and end on time – Time to close… typically, the meeting should not last more than 90 minutes. Formally end it on time.



  5. Review and Points To Remember

    • Great cell leadership begins with a heart immersed in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. If your heart isn’t right, then no list of techniques can lead your group into the things God has ahead. Remember:

    • Stop preparing cell details at least one-half hour before the meeting starts in order to spend time with God.

    • Prioritize your daily devotional life in order to hear from God.

    • Depend on God more than techniques.

    • Love is the greatest requirement

    • Having an orderly cell agenda won’t guarantee success in a small group. It will, however, link together essential small group values such as sharing, the Word, evangelism, and worship. A proven structure will provide continuity and purpose. Remember:

    • Great cell meetings follow a predictable- but not legalistic- pattern:

      • Welcome (relationship building)

      • Worship (entering the presence of God)

      • Word (applying God’s Word to our lives)

      • Works (reaching out to others)



    • Measure the meeting by:

      • Were the people edified?

      • Was Christ glorified?



    • The art of facilitation supports and encourages each member to participate. Effective small group leaders empower others to share and apply the lesson to their own lives. Remember:

      • Facilitators refuse to preach and teach.

      • Facilitators empower others, and pull out participation.

      • Facilitators learn while leading.



    • Two essential qualities for facilitators are:

      • Sincere love for God

      • Sincere love for others



    • Active listening allows a small group leader to express love in a practical way. When cell members know he leader is a good listener, they’ll share more freely and consistently. Remember:

      • The member’s response takes priority over your own

      • Practice active listening (truly hearing what the person is saying)

      • Listen to what is not said (gestures, etc)

      • Listen to feedback from the members about your leadership

      • Refuse to answer your own questions

      • Ask the group for additional responses after one person has shared

      • Limit advice giving in the group (instead, practice empathetic listening)



    • The leader can guide the group to new levels of communication using principles such as restating the idea, dealing with conflict, and offering encouragement. Remember:

      • Great communication encourages others to participate

      • Don’t allow certain people to dominate the meeting. Learn how to deal with those who talk too much.

      • Conflict is normal and natural in a small group. Learn how to deal with it.



    • Concentrate on the larger issues, but don’t neglect the details.

    • Home atmosphere plays an important role in attracting and maintaining cell members

      • Arrange the seating in a circle.

      • Is there sufficient light?

      • Do you have song sheets for everyone?



    • Children are an essential part of the cell group and must receive ministry.

      • Prevent distractions by preparing for them.



    • Start on time and close on time



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